Rachmaninoff: Concerto No. 2; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This is one of the great Rachmaninoff CDs. In fact, it may be the best performance ever of the Paganini Rhapsody, not just because of Arthur Rubinstein's delicious playing of the solo part, but also because of the steely brilliance of Fritz Reiner's accompaniments. Famous for its lushly romantic "18th Variation" (which is nothing but the main tune played upside down!), the piece is actually the only one I know in which the composer shows a real sense of humor. The ending is one of the most hilarious anticlimaxes in all of music. Add to this a super performance of the eternally popular Second Piano Concerto, and the result is irresistible. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: III. Allegro scherzando
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: 18th Variation
Symphony No. 2 In E Minor, Op. 27: III. Adagio
Prelude In G Minor, Op. 23, No. 5
Prelude In G-Sharp Minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op. 3, No. 2
Cello Sonata In G Minor, Op. 19: II. Allegro scherzando
Etude-tableau In D Major, Op. 39, No. 9
Six Pieces, Op. 11: Scherzo
Six Pieces, Op. 11: Slava
Symphonic Dances, Op. 45: III. Lento assai

Customer Reviews:

Yes.......2003-04-03

This is a marvelous collection. There were a few pieces I wish that it would include, such as the rest of his Piano Concerto No.2, or perhaps The Rock, but the fact that the performances are generally great and the recording quality is near-perfect makes up for that.

I would recommend this to anyone who is just starting to become interested in the works of Sergei Rachmaninov.

A decent introduction to the music of Rachmaninoff.......2001-08-12

Sergi Rachmaninoff was the last of the great Romantic composers, especially since the Romantic period had ended for European artists when he was at his height. Although a composer and a conductor, Rachmaninoff was also a virtuoso pianist, which explains why his best compositions feature the piano, either in solo work or with an orchestra. His "Prelude in C-Sharp Minor," which he wrote when he was 20, made him famous throughout the world. This collection also includes several other preludes, "Vocalise," and the famous 18th Variation (Andnate cantible) from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. My only serious complaint about this collection as an introduction to Rachmaninoff is that it only has one movement from his Second Piano Concerto and I have other CDs that include the entire work, which I thing is a good idea.

Great Collection of "Hits".......2000-06-22

This is actually not a bad collection of Greatest Hits. Usually the problem with collections like these is that they have bad recordings and not very good performances but some of these ones are actually okay, and it features performances by Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax among others. In general these are the works of art you think of when you think of Rachmaninoff and so these pieces are a perfect representation of his style.

One of the best CD I own.......1999-12-30

This is one of the best I own. The music is so great, hard to explain...so moving, especially the first track. It reminds me of Russia a lot. I listen to it everyday while driving to work. I highly recommend it.

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful Gift
jack@earthlink.com
Great Purchase
Remarkable album - poor sound quality
Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff

Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Window in Time: Rachmaninoff Performs His Solo Piano Works

ASIN: B000003FGS
Release Date: 1994-08-16

Tracks:

Concerto No.1, Op.1: Vivace
Concerto No.1, Op.1: Andante
Concerto No.1, Op.1: Allegro vivace
Concerto No.4, Op.40: Allegro vivace
Concerto No.4, Op.40: Largo
Concerto No.4, Op.40: Allegro vivace
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Intro: Allegro vivace
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var I: (Precedente)
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Tema: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var II: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var III: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var IV: Piu vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var V: Tempo precedente
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var VI: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var VII: Meno mosso, a tempo moderato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var VIII: Tempo I
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var IX: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var X: Poco marcato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XI: Moderato
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XII: Tempo di minuetto
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XIII: Allegro
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: : Var XIV: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XV: Piu vivo scherzando
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XVI: Allegretto
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XVII: [Allegretto]
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XVIII: Andante cantabile
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XIX: A tempo vivace
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XX: Un poco piu vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XXI: Un poco piu vivo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XXII: Un poco piu vivo (Alla breve)
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XXIII: L'istesso tempo
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: Var XXIV: A tempo un poco meno mosso

Tracks:

Concerto No. 2, Op. 18: Moderato; Allegro
Concerto No. 2, Op. 18: Adagio sostenuto
Concerto No. 2, Op. 18: Allegro scherzando
Concerto No. 3, Op. 30: Allegro ma non tanto
Concerto No. 3, Op. 30: Intermezzo: Adagio
Concerto No. 3, Op. 30: Finale: Alla breve

Amazon.com

Unlike most composer/pianists, Rachmaninoff's instrumental prowess was fully commensurate with his creative gifts. He embraces his youthful First Concertos as if he had encountered an old lover, consumating his passion with stupefying fingerwork in the first movement cadenza. Conversely, the composer seems bored in the Third. He laconically dispatches its torrents of notes, opts for the easier ossias in difficult passages, and makes cuts in the first and third movements. And pianists like Arturo Michelangeli and Earl Wild have recorded more incisive, demonic Rach Fourths. No question about the Paganini Rhapsody and Second Concerto, where Rachmaninoff's fierce authority and luscious, molten tone permeate every bar. RCA's transfers, however, could have been better. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Gift.......2007-07-07

I consider this a true gift in this age to hear the composer and pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff perform his own music as he intended. This CD is a marvelous opportunity for any one who is already a lover of Concertos 2 and 3, or the Variations on a Theme by Paganini. It is a simply a fine introduction to a truly great 20th Century composer.

jack@earthlink.com.......2007-06-27

This is Rachmaninov playing Rachmaninov - the master playing his own works. The audio quality is not what we might expect from modern recordings, but this is not a modern recording. If we ignore the hiss and concentrate on the artistry, we find a wonderful rendering of the Rachmaninov works. There is little opportunity these days to hear the masters play their own works, but this is an exception. Rachmaninov's piano music is extraordinary. If you enjoy classical piano music, this is a "must have".

Great Purchase.......2007-05-13

To hear such a master play his own work is priceless. I bought this for my 17 year old son who is a cellist and classical music fan. He plays it over and over. It is remastered, of course, but it is very high quality sound considering that it was not recorded on modern equipment, and does not sound crackly or difficult to listen to. If you are a fan of Rachmaninoff's work how can you resist getting this CD?

Remarkable album - poor sound quality.......2007-03-28

I agree with reviewers heaping superlatives about Rachmaninoff playing Rachmaninoff. It is truly a rare gem. However, buyers should be aware that the recording quality is marginal and tape hiss nearly unbearable. No blame here - it was probably the best technology of its day. If you are used to modern recordings of concert performances, you will need to set an equalizaton to moderate the high tape noise. A good DSP unit might be able to extricate the music from the noise. In any case, once acclimated to the sound quality, you will adore the underlying performance.

Rachmaninoff plays Rachmaninoff.......2007-02-08

These recordings were all originally issued on 78-rpm discs by RCA Victor. In all of the music, Rachmaninoff was the soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra in sessions held in the historic Academy of Music, renowned for its acoustics until remodeling in the mid-1950s reportedly changed that (as Eugene Ormandy always complained).

Rachmaninoff and Leopold Stokowski began making an acoustical version of the second piano concerto in 1924, near the end of the acoustical era. Already the Bell Laboratories and Western Electric were perfecting the electric recording process that would be adopted the following year by both Victor and Columbia. For some reason, the acoustical recording was never finished; Victor later issued it (in 1973) in their boxed sets of the complete Rachmaninoff recordings, filling out the gaps with sides from the electrical recording that Rachmaninoff and Stokowski made a few years later.

The recording of the second concerto has always had been something of an enigma because it doesn't have the best sound of that era, when Victor used a single microphone placed either in front of the orchestra or over the conductor's head. For some reason, the recording is a little muddy or distant at times; nevertheless, one can clearly hear the brilliant playing of the composer, as well as the astonishing, very capable accompaniment by the Philadelphia Orchestra. It is clearly one of the best performances of the concerto ever recorded, even if one wishes it were a bit clearer. Perhaps further advances in digital restoration will someday improve the situation. Having heard both the original 78-rpm discs and the 1973 LP version and the first of the CD versions, it is clear that the sound is somewhat disappointing, while the performance is outstanding.

In 1934, soon after the world premiere in Philadelphia, Rachmaninoff and Stokowski again joined forces to record the "Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini." It's clear from the original discs and the various reissues that RCA Victor had made tremendous strides in its recording techniques. This recording has much improved sound over the second concerto. The performance is astonishing and brilliant at times; Rachmaninoff clearly displays the virtuosity that so amazed listeners who heard him in person. He was clearly much of the vein of Chopin and Liszt, whose music he often performed and recorded.

In 1939-40, when Eugene Ormandy was gradually assuming responsibility for the Philadelphia Orchestra as Stokowski cut back his involvement, Rachmaninoff recorded the first, third, and fourth piano concertos. All of these performances benefited from even greater advances in recording; the quality was generally exceptional, too. Yes, some have said that Vladimir Horowitz's 1930 recording of the third concerto was better (and was even admired by the composer), but there is still something to be said for hearing Rachmaninoff play his own music.

Rachmaninoff in the 1930s and early 1940s was often criticized for being old-fashioned, while older listeners said he was becoming too modern. With the passage of time, we can appreciate his music for its genius and beauty. In these recordings we have a clear glimpse of one of the last great Romantic composers and pianists.

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Average customer rating:

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor; Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Manufacturer: Universal Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sergei Rachmaninoff: Greatest Hits
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ASIN: B00009P1P2
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Tracks:

Moderato
Adagio Sostenuto
Allegro Scherzando
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43

Rachmaninoff for Romance: Passionate Music for Love and Desire

Average customer rating:

Tear Time
The Beauty of Rachmaninoff
Applause
Beautiful
Rachmaninoff for Romance

Rachmaninoff for Romance: Passionate Music for Love and Desire

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Chopin and Champagne: Set Your Mood for Romance
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Tchaikovsky At Tea Time: A Refreshing Blend For Body And Spirit
Debussy for Daydreaming: Music to Caress Your Innermost Thoughts
Bach for Breakfast

ASIN: B0000041DX
Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

Vocalise For Orchestra
Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini - 18th Variation: Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini - 18th Variation (Excerpt)
Symphony No. 2 in E minor: Symphony No. 2 In E Minor - Adagio
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor: Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor - Adagio sostenuto
Prelude In D
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor: Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor - Intermezzo (Adagio)
Symphonic Dance: Symphonic Dance - I. Non Allegro (excerpt)
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F - Sharp Minor: Piano Concerto No. 1 In F - Sharp Minor - Andante
Prelude In E-Flat
Piano Concerto No.4 In G Minor: Piano Concerto No.4 In G Minor - Largo
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor: Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor - Allegro scherzando (Excerpt)

Customer Reviews:

Tear Time.......2007-05-09

Find your loved one, get some tissue and escape into a world of desire and fantasy. All ages will love this music. Tender, soft, and relaxing with the hint of being alive again.

Donald Lindsey

The Beauty of Rachmaninoff.......2006-11-10

This album contains some of Rachmaninoff's most beautiful and romantic music which should appeal to everyone, even if you're not a classical music fan. The performances are first rate and you may even shed a few tears listening to this very emotional music. These excerpts from some of Rachmaninoff's major works may induce you to want the entire compositions for your collection.

Applause.......2002-03-12

I'll add my applause to these reviews. It's an elegant collection of Rachmaninov pieces. Simply beautiful.

Beautiful.......2001-05-21

If you are a Rachmaninov fan, this CD is a must. Of all the CD's I have of Rachmaninov, this is my favorite. The orchestra's that perform capture the essence of what he composed. It is a beautiful CD guaranteed to please. As the back of the CD states, "Rachmaninov and romance go together like Romeo and Juliet"

Rachmaninoff for Romance.......2000-04-25

I purchased this CD primarily for Trac#2--Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini-18th Variation. I wasn't disapointed! The whole cd is very relaxing and definitly puts you in the mood. I thought the cd would contain only piano music but there are many well-orchestrated and dramatic tracs.

Serge Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini

Average customer rating:

Rachmaninoff, Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini
4 out of 5 or 3 our ot of 4
low-hanging fruit
Fantastic
A decent set

Serge Rachmaninoff: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Van Cliburn: My Favorite Rachmaninoff
Serge Rachmaninoff: 3 Symphonies/The Rock
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Rachmaninoff Plays Rachmaninoff

ASIN: B000004167
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: 1. Moderato
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: 2. Adagio sostenuto
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: 3. Allegro scherzando
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: 1. Allegro ma non tanto
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: 2. Intermezzo (Adagio)
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor, Op. 30: 3. Finale (Alla breve)

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: 1. Vivace
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: 2. Andante
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F Sharp Minor, Op. 1: 3. Allegro vivace
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: 1. Allegro vivace. (Alla breve)
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: 2. Largo
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Minor, Op. 40: 3. Allegro vivace
Rhapsodie On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43: Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43

Customer Reviews:

Rachmaninoff, Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4/Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini.......2007-03-09

I am truly enjoying them. I play them almost daily.

4 out of 5 or 3 our ot of 4.......2007-02-21

I didn't care for the interpretation of the Third piano concerto, It was a bit rough around the edges and lacked lyricism. I bought the set because I heard the 4th on NPR and loved it.

low-hanging fruit.......2007-02-15

Sergei Rachmaninoff's music for piano and orchestra is easy to love. Its lyrical romanticism and connections with successors that lead even to jazz piano tend to be accessible to contemporary listeners. It is some of the most stirring music ever written, though it does not earn the respect of work written by canonical masters of the genre like Mozart and Beethoven.

When you pair this music with Edo de Waart's baton (now in Hong Kong), Rafael Orozco's keyboard, and the always dependable Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, you've got a situation where artistic ripe fruit is hanging low for the picking.

After you've loved this double CD recording to death, make it a project to introduce someone who needs orchestral music in her life but doesn't see it yet. Rachmaninoff might just be the doorway.

Lovely, lovely music, perhaps even for hearts worn flat by pop culture's single track.

Fantastic.......2006-11-29

As a reviewer said below (I 100% agree), technically, the pianist's technique is virtually godlike (Czifra-like technique). Maybe musically he provides a unique interperetation... but in a positive way! After listeting to about 10 versions of Rachman.concertos, I found the Orozco interpretation and understanding of the concertos to be far the superior!! Originally I had no idea about this recording and wanted to go with Kissin or Kondrashin etc. Also because the quality of this recording is not the top one (but it is not that bad - I just call it "philips sound"). To conclude, to me this is finally the kind of interpretation which makes me stand up from the chair and which makes me chill. Like Heifetz on violin. The performance has unbelievable emotional drive - Orozco is unbelievable. Kissin pales beside him, really.

A decent set.......2006-09-07

Perhaps the greatest virtue of this recording set is that it very nicely comes with the complete set of Rachmaninoff works for Piano and orchestra, but other than that, unfortunately, it counts for little else.

Technically, the playing is solid. However, the interpretation has less soul to it than I would really like in such deep music as this. Many beautiful sections of music are glossed over, such as the opening of the Fourth Concerto, the opening of the Rhapsody, and other parts.

As a complete set, this recording is at best a bargain set with bargain priced playing and sound... However, if you are looking for interpretations of the individual pieces included, each one has at least several more satisfying recordings available. Looking for a complete set is now much easier--check out Nikolai Lugansky's complete set for only about $2 more, last I checked.

Average customer rating:

Rachmaninoff's Masterpieces
superb
Great Piano Fireworks
Rhapsody is best
No. of concerto is wrong

The Best Of Rachmaninoff

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000416Q
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor, Op.18: 1. Moderato
Piano Concerto No.2 In C Minor, Op.18: 2. Adagio sostenuto
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Liebesleid
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Tracks:

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Symphony No.2, Op.27: 4. Allegro vivace
The Isle of the Dead, Op. 29

Customer Reviews:

Rachmaninoff's Masterpieces.......2005-11-13

Sergei Rachmaninoff remains the most celebrated of the modern Russian composers who retained the spirit of Romantics like Tchaikovsky. In this fabulous recording from the Phillips Label, we are treated to his most cherished piano/orchestral masterpieces. They include the incomparable Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, as performed by the Royal Philharmonic with Spanish pianist Rafael Orozco and conducted by Edo De Waart. This piano concerto is grand in scale and at times borders on Beethovenesque melody. It's dark and brooding and supremely romantic. It was prominently featured in the David Lean 1940'ish film "Brief Encounter" about a romance that is forged on a train ride. The most famous piece associated with the great Rachmaninoff is his Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini for Piano and Orchestra. Lush, sweeping romantic melodies sigh and stir on the piano and escalate into voluminous beauty in the orchestra. Upon hearing it, you will recognize it for sure. The Vocalise was originally a piano piece, at times resembling a sort of modern Moonlight Sonata, with a long haunting melodic line, but has become famous as a concert aria and sopranos like Renee Fleming still sing the aria today. As most piano composers tend to do, Rachmaninov transcribed works from other composers for piano and here we hear his lovely piano version of Kreisler's violin work "Liebeslied" or "Love Song". Beautiful! The Preludes are works of tonal beauty and nocturnal moods. Orozco is truly gifted on the piano. Years of training sharpened his musical talents so that he mastered the piano and Rachmaninoff especially. He knows Rachmaninoff's music intimately. He uses flowing rubato and handles the music with a sacred spirit. He breathes life into the works and never succumbs to mechanical playing. Instead, we get colorful musical portraits, complete with evocative imagery, such as in the Isle of the Dead, a symphonic poem that is also terrific in orchestral form. The Symphony No. 2 is another brilliant piece on here. Overall, a fine album and the quality of sound is excellent. At an affordable price, this is a treasure.

superb.......2005-09-17

Out of my huge collection of classical music, I find these disks being played more often than almost all the rest!

Great Piano Fireworks.......2004-02-05

This is my favorite recording of Rachmaninov's 2nd! Orozco and de Waart are thrilling right from the very first note. I keep flipping back to Track 1 just to hear the passionate opening movement! I have Ashkenzy, Vasary, and Entremont's recordings of this piece. The spacious engineering and Orozco's riveting performance keep me coming back to this one! The reading of the Rhapsody is also one of my favorites. I have a special attachment to this work, and these performances do not disappoint my picky taste. I hate to say it, but Orozco's technique and interpretation of the Rhapsody rival the performance with Rachmaninov as soloist with the Phila. Orch.
The other pieces in this "two-fer" are exceptional performances as well. I especially love Orozco's brilliance and technique in the G minor prelude--why couldn't I play it like that in piano lessons??? The Vocalise and Liebeslied are lovely arrangments.
For this price, this set is absolutely essential to anyone interested in Classical music! This is THE recording to have!

Rhapsody is best.......2004-01-19

This performance of the Rhapsody is absolutely amazing! The Concerto 2 is pretty intense as well, but get it for the Rhapsody -- it is worth it!

No. of concerto is wrong.......2004-01-04

I thing you made a mistake on your homepage.
The correct title is "Piano Concerto No.2" on "Listen to Sample" as below.

Tracks:

Rhap On A Theme Of Paganini, Op.43: Var 18 - Dmitri Alexeev
Sym No.2 in e, Op.27: III. Adagio - The Philadelphia Orch/Eugene Ormandy
Prld in G, Op.32 No.5 - Alexis Weissenberg
Vocalise, Op.34 No.14 - Anna Moffo
Prld in F - Mikhail Kazakevich
Prld in D, Op.23 No.4 - Barry Douglas
Prld in E-flat, Op.23 No.6 - Barry Douglas
Vc Con in g, Op.19: III. Andante - Janos Starker/Shigeo Neriki
It's Peaceful Here, Op.21 No.7 - Vladimir Spivakov/Sergei Bezrodny
Pno On No.1 in f#, Op.1: II. Andante - Byron Janis
Pno Con No.2 in c, Op.18: II. Adagio Sostenuto - Barry Douglas

Customer Reviews:

The Best.......2002-08-31

I thought this was so good, especially tracks 8 thru 11 that I bought copies for my six siblings.

Buy This Now!!!!.......2001-09-07

This is a beautiful work by the master composer Rachmaninoff. I have been a fan of his work, but when I heard this recording it nearly blew me away. Listen to Vocalise - the beauty of this track is what sold me on the rest of the album.

Average customer rating:

It's a lovely title
Rainy day, boy what an appropriate title

Rachmaninoff for a Rainy Day

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000059RXN
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

Vocalise No.14, Op.34 - Nina Kotova
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op.43 - Vladimir Ashkenazy
Sym No.2 in e, Op.27: Adagio - The Royal Concertgebouw Orch/Vladimir Ashkenazy
Pno Con No.2 in c, Op.18: Moderato
Pno Con No.2 in c, Op.18: Adagio Sustanuto
Pno Con No.2 in c, Op.18: Allegro Scherzando

Customer Reviews:

It's a lovely title.......2005-02-09

Can't beat the title. I immediately purchased once after listening to the sample. Believe me, you will love it, especially you are staying at home, watching rainfall outside and listen this wonderful piece.

Rainy day, boy what an appropriate title.......2001-04-06

I don't know what it is about the second Rachmaninoff concerto , but it inevitably reminds me of rain dripping off the leaves of trees. Not that I don't love it, I really do, but it is so evocative of rain that I was very amused by the CD title.

Tracks:

PC No.3 In D Minor - I Allegro Ma Non Tanto
II Intermezzo (Adagio)
III Finale (Alla Breve)
Introduction (Allegro Vivace) - Variation 1 And Theme
Variation 2
Variation 3
Variation 4
Variation 5
Variation 6
Variation 7 (Meno Mosso, A Tempo Moderato)
Variation 8 (Tempo I)
Variation 9
Variation 10
Variation 11 (Moderato)
Variation 12 (Tempo Di Minuetto)
Variation 13 (Allegro)
Variation 14
Variation 15 (Piu Vivo, Scherzando)
Variation 16 (Allegretto) -
Variation 17
Variation 18 (Andante Cantabile - A Tempo Vivace)
Variation 19
Variation 20 (Un Poco Piu Vivo) -
Variation 21 (Un Poco Piu Vivo) -
Variation 22 (Un Poco Piu Vivo, Alla Breve) -
Variation 23
Variation 24 (A Tempo Un Poco Meno Mosso)
Etude-Tableau In F Sharp Minor, Op.39 No.3
Etude-Tableau In E Flat Minor, Op.39 No.5

Tracks:

I: Moderato
II: Adagio Sostenuto
III: Allegro Scherzando
Prelude, Op.23 No.2 B Flat Major
Prelude, Op.23 No.1 F Sharp Minor
Prelude, Op.32 No.5 G Minor
Prelude, Op.23 No.6, E Flat Major
Prelude, Op.32 No.12, G Sharp Minor
Elegie, Op.3 No.1, E Flat Minor
Moment Musical, Op.16 No.3, B Minor
Moment Musical Op.16 No.4, E Minor,
Moment Musical, Op.16 No.5, D Flat Major
Moment Musical, Op.16 No.6, C Major

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding performances by one of the great pianists........2006-11-25

Incredible technique and impressive conception is displayed in the performances of these works. Highly recommended.

Good choice for a sampler of Rachmaninov's best.......2005-06-03

This is the perfect CD for those that want to start listening to Rachmaninov, because it has good interpretations of the best compositions by the outstanding Russian. The concerto No. 3 is played in a proficient manner, and even though Gavrilov does not reach the quality performances of top notch pianists like Ashkenazy or Leif Ove Andsnes, he is enjoyable to listen to. The Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini, based on the 24 Caprices by the prodigious violinist, is very good, with the only problem of lacking emotion in a couple of movements. To top off disc 1, we get two of the nine Etudes-tableaux from Op. 39, which are little gems for solo piano and have a nice contrast between them, since while No. 3 is fast and light, No. 5 is more melodic and romantic.

But talking about romanticism, let's move on to one of the most romantic concertos in existence, the No. 2. Except for the beginning, in which Gavrilov plays the second note in each bell toll too softly for my taste, the interpretation is up to par to most of the performances I have encountered. Of course there are some that are better, like Rubinstein's, if you are looking for fidelity in interpretation, or Lang Lang's, if you are searching for a more creative approach. Finally, a selection of preludes, an elegie and moments musicaux completes a selection that will give satisfaction to those looking to discover the artistry of this composer.

This is a remastered recording (stereo / DDD) with excellent sound quality. So considering the vast selection, the good performance of Gavrilov and the Philadelphia Orchestra and the price, it is as good a deal as you can get. I would recommend not passing it up.

Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos / Paganini Rhapsody

Average customer rating:

Authentic? Maybe, But Unbalanced.
painful
Good new recording, with a few remarks
An absolute stunner
GETTING A BIT THICK IN HERE

Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos / Paganini Rhapsody
Rachmaninoff , Stephen Hough , Andrew Litton , and Dallas So
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Saint-Saëns: The Complete Works for Piano & Orchestra
Stephen Hough's New Piano Album
Stephen Hough Piano Collection
Haydn: The Paris Symphonies Nos. 82-87
Mendelssohn: Piano Concerti Nos. 1 & 2; Capriccio Brillant; Rondo Brillant

ASIN: B0002VYF4Y
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Tracks:

Vivace
Andante
Allegro Vivace
Allegro Vivace
Largo
Allegro Vivace
Introduction Allegro Vivace
Variation I. Precedente
Theme L'Istesso Tempo
II. L'Istesso Tempo
III. L'Istesso Tempo
IV. Piu Vivo
V. Tempo Precedente
VI. L'Istesso Tempo
VII. Menu Mosso, A Tempo Moderato
VIII. Tempo I
IX. L'Istesso Tempo
X. Poco Marcato
XI. Moderato
XII. Tempo Di Minuetto
XIII. Allegro
XIV. L'Istesso Tempo
XV. Piu Vivo Scherzando
XVI. Allegretto
XVII. [Allegretto]
XVIII. Andante Cantabile
XIX. A Tempo Vivace
XX. Un Poco Piu Vivo
XXI. Un Poco Piu Vivo
XXII. Un Poco Piu Vivo (Alla Breve)
XXIII. L'Istesso Tempo
XXIV. A Tempo Un Poco Menu Mosso

Tracks:

Moderato
Adagio Sostenuto
Allegro Scherzando
Allegro Ma Non Tanto
Intermezzo: Adagio
Finale: Alla Breve

Customer Reviews:

Authentic? Maybe, But Unbalanced........2007-07-08

It seems, judging from the other reviews that people either love this set and it is the greatest thing that ever happened to the 4 piano concertos of Rachamninov, or, although they are a minority, people absolutely hate it. There is little doubt that these performances are extremely well played and recorded. The pianist, Stephen Hough makes claims of authenticity, that these pieces are being played as Rachmaninov himself conceived and played them. Is this true and does the way they are played work or do justice to them and their composer?
Concerning concertos nos.1&4 and the Paganini Rhapsody I would say the answer is definitely yes. These are beautiful, highly romantic, well reasoned performances neither too fast nor too slow with neither too much nor too little rubato. Adding to the authenticity is the inclusion of missing wind parts in the third movement of the fourth concerto which apparently are to be found only in one other recorded version, that of Rachmaninov himself with the Philadelphia Orchestra some 70 or so years ago. These three performances may be enough in themselves to make it worth purchasing the set.
The performances of nos. 2&3 on disc 2 are a somewhat different story.
It is generally true that Stephen Hough plays these two pieces more like Rachmaninov did than most modern performances, in that he plays certain segments faster. However he compromises the quality of both pieces somewhat by doing things that Rachmaninov did not do. Many performances of no.2 suffer from playing the opening theme of the first movement too slowly with too much rubato causing it drag a bit and fragment. In Rachmaninov's recordings he and the orchestra play it significantly faster than many modern recordings as does Hough and the Dallas Symphony. However Mr.Hough goes too far in that he plays the opening piano chords much too fast with little or no rubato. While Rachmaninov played it faster than many recordings he is noticeably slower than Hough, especially at first, speeding up a little with slight touches of rubato, causing a more satisfying building of the drama. However The rest of the first movement in Hough's performance is fine and the other two movements are right on the money.
A composer can be incorrect about one of his own pieces concerning how it should best be performed. It is possible that Rachmaninov performed his third piano concerto too fast. The young Vladimir Horowitz whose performance the composer preferred almost certainly did. A number of more modern recordings can be too slow and stately, such as that by Vladimir Ashkenazy with Andre Previn in the seventies which is very beautiful. It seems an extremely difficult task to find a recording that has the right balance between the two. Hough is definitely on the fast side but not unreasonable until the close of the final which he machine guns through without missing a note and is topped off by the closing orchestral chords so fast and even that you feel emotionally, not ecstatic, but almost as though you've been shot. Again Rachmaninov and the Philadelphia are ever so slightly slower with rhythmic variation adding much to the drama working listeners to emotional frenzy. Funny what a little rubato can do.

painful.......2007-04-10

I heard the Paganini Rhapsody from this album, and frankly, I was NOT impressed. From what I heard of Hough's and Litton's cooperative style in the Rhapsody, I can't imagine that the concertos would be much better, and I strongly advocate not buying this. To his credit, he hit most of the notes. It was mainly the interpretation, the misguided rubato etc. that put me off, but it put me far enough off that I would never recommend this album. Having said that, I do own Earl Wild's set, with Previn conducting, so I expect a lot when I hear these amazing works, among my all-time favorites for piano and orchestra. Regardless: it just wasn't that good, sorry.

Good new recording, with a few remarks.......2007-01-19

Stephen Hough has taken the liberty of interpreting the Rachmaninov piano concertos quite freely, especially concerning the tempi. I'm sure he has listened to all previous recordings (including Rachmaninov's own) before deciding on these interpretations, but they *have* raised some eyebrows, as several reviewers remarked earlier.
Although the recording quality itself is really good (especially for a live recording), the mastering is quite soft, which makes this CD sound softer than most other classical CD's. Pity!
Just details, though. Stephen Hough's masterful piano technique ensures a sublime experience of some of the finest piano concertos ever written.

An absolute stunner.......2006-07-27

I've spent years working on these pieces as an amateur. In fact, collecting recordings of these concertos has been one of my greatest enthusiasms. Having heard practically all the commercially available recordings (and some) out there, I can only bow down to Stephen Hough for this monumental achievement.

It's not just the virtuosic bravura and utter refinement of the pianism, but what sets Hough apart from everybody else is his sense of timing and complete avoidance vulgar Soviet-style emoting. Hough's sense of tempo rubato, lingering in the beginning of the phrase before rushing towards the climax, is a lost art that was common practiced by the greatest artists from the beginning of the 20th century (such as Rachmaninoff himself, Tauber, Cortot, Heifetz, Kreisler...).

I urge people to follow these performances with a score in hand. It is an objective lesson in how maximum expressive freedom (often shockingly revelatory) can be achieved by a thorough understanding of a composer's rhetoric and notations.

GETTING A BIT THICK IN HERE.......2006-06-16

Hm, so many crazy-positive reviews. Campaign?

The negative reviews, unfortunately, have it right. As a performer of Rachmaninoff, Hough is the best Saint-Saens interpreter there is.

Hough makes these concerti sound like watered-down Gershwin. That's all. Some people respond to this: some people respond to the cheap and flashy. Others do not. Still others resent the transformation of diamonds into rhinestones.

The cover with a cigarette-biting Rach is appropriate. When listening to these discs, one can almost smell a cheap cigar, and maybe see a ring with a glass topaz being waved around.

And yes, Hough's claims of "authenticity" are a laugh. Just put on Rach's old recordings and hear the difference. Astonishing. Not that everyone should (or could) play like Rach. But then, not everyone claims they do, now do they?

Also laughable, in my opinion, are comments about "heart-wrenching" soul in these performances. What soul? Maybe if you've never heard these pieces before, they sound emotional here. But it seems to me the big distinction of these interpretations is that they completely dispense with the "soul and emotion" side of this music. (There is some superficial color in the Fourth Concerto, though, which I guess passes for soulfulness.)

Save your coins.

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